Evelyn Inez Garrett and her husband Edwin Cornelius Garrett Jr., both of the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, died within three days of each other earlier this month.
Evelyn died on 1 October 2015 and Edwin on Sunday 4 October 2015. They were both 89 years old.
Evelyn, who was affectionately called “Nana”, was born on September 21, 1926 in Piney Grove, Virginia to the late Hazel Sawyer Hicks and Edmond Hicks.
The family moved from Virginia to New York before the birth of their youngest child, Evelyn's brother Edmund Hicks in 1934.
She attended Morgan State University where during her sophomore year; met Edwin.
Evelyn worked for years at the telephone company until moving to Southampton where she worked in the Southampton Intermediate School cafeteria as a cashier.
Edwin, who was affectionately known as “Papa”, was born on December 24, 1925 in New York to the late Gwendolyn Cogbill and Edwin Cornelius Sr.
He served in the United States Air Force during World War II where he was stationed in the South Pacific.
When he returned home, he attended NYU College of Dentistry where he earned a degree in Prosthodontics.
He worked with a number of dentists and non-profit organizations before opening his own practice in Harlem.
The Garrett's were both very active members of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum.
Edwin was the Chairman of the Board and Evelyn worked in the office.
Both were also very active members in their community, Edwin being a clan elder and Evelyn helping out in any way she could with events, programs, etc.
Both survived by a brother (father-in-law), Edmund Eugene Hicks (North Carolina) and his wife Cherry. their son, Edwin Cornelius Garrett III (Maryland) with his wife Robin; a daughter, Cynthia Lynn Garrett Clendenin (Shinnecock) with her husband Raymond; and their five grandchildren, Parrisha LaNee Garrett (Virginia), Edwin Cornelius Garrett IV (Virginia), Ronald Maurice Garrett (North Carolina), Raymond Vincent Clendenin Jr. (Shinnecock) and Jessica Lauren Clendenin (Queens).
In addition, they are survived by many great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Visitation for Garrett's will be held on Wednesday, October 7 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Brockett Funeral Home at 203 Hampton Street in Southampton.
The service will be held on Wednesday October 7th at the Funeral Home from 5pm, Reverend Michael Smith officiating.
